HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Sunday, July 28, 2013) – Carissa Moore (HAW), 20, has won the Vans US Open of Surfing over local favorite Courtney Conlogue (USA), 20, in peaky one-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Huntington Beach Pier, taking the No. 1 position on the ASP Women’s World Title Race.

Stop No. 6 of 8 on the 2013 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour (WCT), the Vans US Open of Surfing plays both a crucial role in deciding the 2013 Women’s World Champion and qualification for next season’s ASP Top 17.

Moore got off to a dominant start in her final clash, earning an 8.17 and 7.83 to launch out to an early lead. The talented Hawaiian would hold on to the win despite a late-heat rampage from Conlogue, solidifying her third ASP Women’s WCT event win this year.

“To be honest I’m a little shocked right now because I thought Courtney (Conlogue) won when the crowd erupted on that last wave,” Moore said. “I let her go and I had priority and it was a bad decision, but I’m stoked that it worked out in my favor. I was happy to be in the final and Courtney’s in the title race and I had fun, but I was definitely nervous at the end of that heat. It’s such an honor to win this event in front of this big crowd. I feel amazing!”

Conlogue put in an amazing showing in front of her hometown crowd, besting then ratings’ leader Tyler Wright (AUS), 19, in the Semifinals. The regular-footer would fight hard to surpass Moore in the back half of the heat with her best two rides coming in the last five minutes. Unfortunately for the Californian, she was unable to surpass Moore’s opening heat efforts, finishing runner-up overall.

“It was definitely an amazing heat and Carissa (Moore), she’s been surfing really well,” Conlogue said. “With everyone screaming and the crowd on the pier I was definitely wanting to win. I was trying to be progressive and surfing the best that I could.”

Conlogue, who now sits at No 3 on the ASP Women’s WCT, is hoping to carry her momentum in to the final two events of the season in an attempt to rally for the 2013 ASP Women’s World Title.

“It feels really good to get second and I’m looking forward to going back to Europe,” Conlogue said. “Going to Hossegor is going to be exciting so it’s nice to get a result here and I’m looking forward to it.”

Tyler Wright (AUS), 19, was dominant throughout the Vans US Open of Surfing, earning her career-best result in Huntington Beach. The talented Australian’s run would end in the Semifinals, as she was stopped short by in-form local Courtney Conlogue, finishing equal 3rd overall.

“I did the best I could with what I had out there and Courtney (Conlogue) caught the best waves,” Wright said. “A 3rd is the best result I’ve ever had here at the US Open and I’m happy with that.”

Pauline Ado (FRA), 22, matched her career-best result and crucial points towards her requalification campaign with an equal 3rd place finish. Ado put in a stellar performance throughout the Vans US Open of Surfing, but was unable to surpass Moore in their Semifinals heat. Ado now sits No. 10 among the ASP Top 17 due to her efforts.

I’m a bit disappointed with my heat today,” Ado said. “I couldn’t find any good waves and feel like I didn’t surf my best, but I’m stoked on the result overall. I’ve had a great week at this event and a 3rd is putting me in a better position before the last two events in Europe.”

MARGARET RIVER, Western Australia (Monday, November 12, 2012) – In a major sporting coup for Western Australia, Premier Colin Barnett has announced that the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro has been granted World Championship Tour (WCT) status by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP).

“This is a fantastic outcome for WA and in particular the Margaret River region, as it will drive visitation and provide priceless international exposure,” Mr Barnett said.

“ASP WCT status guarantees that the top 34 ranked male and top 17 ranked female surfers in the world will compete at Margaret River, with the competition expanding to 12 days from the current seven. National and international media coverage is also expected to at least double to an estimated media equivalency value of $50 million.

The State Government supported Surfing WA’s bid for ASP WCT status through its events arm Eventscorp and with additional funding from Royalties for Regions’ Regional Events Program.

Tourism Minister, Dr Kim Hames said ASP WCT status confirmed the reputation of Margaret River’s Surfers Point as a world class surfing destination.

“Even as a Prime rated event, the sport’s second tier tour, the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro has been an outstanding success, especially in recent years. But WCT status will elevate Margaret River to the elite level alongside iconic surf locations like Hawaii’s Banzai Pipeline and Teahupoo in Tahiti,” Dr Hames said.

ASP WCT status for the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro will kick in next year for the women’s event and in 2014 for the men’s. Both ASP WCT licences extend until 2017.

“ASP is very pleased to announce the sanctioning of the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro as a WCT event in the coming years,” Renato Hickel, ASP WCT Manager, said. “Margaret River is a long-standing event on the ASP World Tour and a favourite stop for many of the world’s top men’s and women’s surfers already. We are pleased to add such a quality event and location to our elite World Championship Tour.”

Yallingup local and perennial ASP World Title contender, Taj Burrow, will lead the world’s best surfers to his home region, beginning in 2014.

“This is an exciting time for Margaret River,” Burrow said. “The waves in the region are world class and to bring the ASP WCT-level surfers here is going to be big for the region. I get jealous of Mick (Fanning) and Joel (Parkinson) every year for having an event at their home and the advantage of getting to sleep in their beds and surf their local spots. I’m sure all the kids out West will be excited to see the world’s best surfers in their backyard.”

The ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, led five five-time ASP World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore, will commence sanctioning of the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro this coming season in 2013.

Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls said the elevation of the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro to WCT status would facilitate a multitude of regional development outcomes, in fitting with the goal of Royalties for Regions.

“Events make a valuable contribution towards building strong sustainable regional communities that are desirable places to live because they improve the social amenity, add excitement, attract visitation and bolster local economies,” Mr Grylls said.

“The WCT upgrade also links perfectly with the $4million upgrade of facilities at Surfers Point funded by Royalties for Regions’ Supertowns initiative.”
ASP International will release a full 2013 schedule this week.

Four-Time ASP World Champion Stephanie Gilmore to Represent Quiksilver Line for Women

HUNTINGTON BEACH, January 5, 2011 – Quiksilver is pleased to announce that it has signed current ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore to a five-year endorsement agreement. Under terms of the agreement Stephanie will ride for the Quiksilver team and has become a Quiksilver brand ambassador, joining a diverse and talented group which includes 13 other female artists, musicians, photographers, philanthropists and fashion designers representing Quiksilver’s lines for women.

As a brand ambassador Stephanie will contribute to marketing initiatives and activities through her considerable creative talents. The addition of Stephanie to the Quiksilver ambassador program also coincides with the debut of Quiksilver’s new global girls line, targeting 18-24 year old young females, set to launch in February 2011.

“I have had exceptional support throughout my career and I am excited to have this bright opportunity with the respected team at Quiksilver,” says Gilmore.

“I am looking forward to pushing myself to new levels and feel this is a move which will help me stay inspired while competing at the highest level as a professional surfer on the ASP Women’s World Tour. It’s thrilling to be a part of an innovative and globally respected brand like Quiksilver. Its rich history and creative direction are well aligned with my personal ambitions.”

“We are very happy to welcome Stephanie to Quiksilver” says Bob McKnight, CEO of Quiksilver. “Her many accomplishments, at such a young age, are incredible. She is an inspirational role model for young women and a perfect fit for Quiksilver.”

22-year-old Stephanie, who was born and raised in NSW Australia has already become one of the most accomplished surfers in the world. She has won the ASP World Title in each of the last four years, was the youngest ASP Women’s World Champion (2007) and has 17 ASP Women’s World Tour victories. She will compete in the first event of the 2011 ASP season at next month’s Roxy Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast, February 26-March 9.

In addition to Quiksilver, her sponsors include Cole Clark Guitars, Ford, Sanitarium and DHD Surfboards. She plays both acoustic and electric guitar, including a Cole Clark lap slide and a vintage Fender Strat, and she documents her world travels with a Hassleblad 501c medium format camera.

Stephanie’s philanthropic work includes Australia’s youth-focused Black Dog Foundation; and she is a sponsor for two children in Kenya and Ethiopia. This Sunday, January 9th, Stephanie will be part of Channel 9 Australia’s telethon to raise money for Australia’s devastated areas affected by the floods.

Stephanie will continue to hone her talents and pursue her passions as she joins the Quiksilver family and will creatively contribute to and be involved in marketing efforts for the brand’s new collection. Designed for young women with a coastal mindset and an independent spirit, the new Quiksilver collection is built on an understated aesthetic with its primary focus on quality fabrics, fits and finishes.

This feminine interpretation of the Quiksilver brand has resulted in a beautiful collection that is authentic to Quiksilver’s roots while at the same time introducing a unique, feminine perspective to the action sports apparel industry. The debut season of the collection perfectly blends coastal casual lived-in, loved-in designs with airy feminine details and superior hand-feel.

TORQUAY, AUSTRALIA, January 4, 2011 – International surfing and board sports company Rip Curl is proud to ring in the New Year with the announcement that record-setting 16-year-old surfing talent Tyler Wright (Lennox Head, AUS) has signed a five-year sponsorship extension on her current Rip Curl International Team Rider contract.

“Rip Curl’s timing with the new deal is fantastic, it’s like a new start,” said Tyler. “They’ve given me a lot of confidence heading into this weekend’s ASP World Junior’s and for my rookie year on the ASP World Tour. The on-going support will help me to achieve what I want in surfing and more.”

Tyler, the youngest sister of 2010 ASP Rookie of the Year Owen Wright, had an excellent season last year, finishing third in the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) ratings and qualifying for this year’s ASP Women’s World Tour. She is the youngest ever woman to qualify for the elite level and will be over two years younger than the next youngest competitor, 18-year-old Carissa Moore (HAW), when the tour starts in February.

Tyler shot to fame in 2008 when she carved her name into the history books by becoming the youngest ever surfer to win an ASP Women’s World Tour contest – the Beachley Classic in Sydney, Australia. Competing as a wildcard entry, she was aged 14 years and 196 days.

The natural footer claimed her second ASP World Tour event title in December 2010, winning the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing at Hawaii’s famed Sunset Beach. She defeated Coco Ho (HAW), reigning 4 x ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and 2010 No. 2 Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) in the final.

“My time with Rip Curl so far has been super fun,” Tyler continued. “I’m really excited to be with them over the next five years – it’s a great company and the right team for me.”

The fact that Tyler Wright has already posted two historic ASP victories during her junior career, and along the way defeated the likes of Gilmore, Ho, Fitzgibbons, Silvana Lima (BRA) and 2004 world champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER) several times, speaks volumes about the teenager’s enormous potential. For Rip Curl, Tyler’s history-making rise through the ranks comes as no surprise and is instead an exciting start to an already very successful career.

“We’re always looking to recruit future world champions and the next generation of star surfers to Rip Curl, and Tyler sits atop the list internationally,” said Neil Ridgway, Rip Curl Global Marketing & Advertising Chairman. “Tyler has been with us since she was 9, and there’s a real sense of support and purpose in everything the Wright family does.

Rip Curl will compliment that attitude and back Tyler all the way – while she’s completing her schooling, competing on the ASP World Tour or just surfing anywhere in the world. Tyler’s still a grommet and with that comes all the hunger and surf stoke grommets have. She wants to have fun and rip and we reckon that’s brilliant.”

The sponsorship sees her exclusively endorsing Rip Curl’s Surfwear (clothing), Wetsuits, Watches, Bags and Accessories, Tyler will be a key face for Rip Curl around the world.

Wright will compete in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships in Sydney this weekend, heading into the deciding event as favourite after winning Stop 1 on the ASP World Junior Tour, the Oakley ASP World Junior in Bali, Indonesia, in October 2010.

Tyler Wright Statistics & Biography

Age: 16
DOB: 31 March 1994
First sponsored by Rip Curl when she was 9 years old.

Her best competitive achievements:

2011
Youngest competitor to qualify for the ASP World Tour
Leading ASP World Junior Title Rankings